Fukuoka Prefecture is looking forward to showing you its many wonderful delights.

One of the top orchid producers, Fukuoka began its cultivation of orchid back in the late 50's to the early 60's.
With over a half year to two years of love and care, orchids of Fukuoka are created with craftsmanship, dedication, and meticulous care from the producers. In this episode, we will introduce you to Fukuoka-grown flowers of orchid, along with helpful tips for maintaining them for an extended period of time!

Orchid

Ms. Takeda:
So beautiful. . .
Alluring and adorning, the orchids are said to be the diamonds of the flowers.
Fukuoka Prefecture is one of very a few places in the country where orchid is being cultivated.
It, however, is one of many grown throughout various parts of the Prefecture.
Apparently, it takes from a half year to two years before fully blooming into these flowers of beauty.
To bring it out to the fullest, it requires masterful craftsmanship, fine observational skills, years of experience, dedication, and lots of love and care.

Garden: Misaka Engei

Ms. Takeda:
Mr. Misaka is just that type of a producer.
Thank you for having us.

Ms. Takeda:
I've been informed that the prefecture is one of the top producers. . .

Mr. Misaka:
There are 5 different types: phalaenopsis aphrodite, oncidium, cymbidium, cooktown orchid, and cattleya.
We are No.3 in domestic production of these flowers.

Ms. Takeda:
And which type would these be?

Mr. Misaka:
We produce phalaenopsis aphrodite, in particular.
10 different breeds of it, over 40,000 of them total.

Cultivation of phalaenopsis aphrodite

Ms. Takeda:
What do you pay attention to when growing phalaenopsis aphrodite?

Mr. Misaka:
We pay the most attention to the room environment.
As in, the temperature of the room depending on how warm and how cold.
It is air-conditioned and always set to the best temperature.
Then comes water supplies, lights, humidity, and so on.

Ms. Takeda:
They are very delicate by nature, aren't they?

Mr. Misaka:
That's right.

Ms. Takeda:
I've heard they take a longer period than other flowers till they are fully grown and shipped off.

Mr. Misaka:
It varies on how they are grown, but we take a little bit longer. . . about two and a half years.

Ms. Takeda:
I see that there is much love and care involved. . .

Maintenance for orchids

Ms. Takeda:
Orchids are popular flower gift items, aren't they?
What can we do as far as maintenance when/if purchased or given as a gift?

Mr. Misaka:
You would want to keep them in a warmer place, especially between December and February.
From April, place them by the window away from the direct sunlight. That'd keep them alive for a long time.

Ms. Takeda:
So, to be careful with the temperature. . .
What can we do as far as water?

Mr. Misaka:
Spray a little bit of water during the winter. That's about it.

Ms. Takeda:
So, to not water it too much.
How long do they stay open?

Mr. Misaka:
2 to 3 months at least, I think.

Ms. Takeda:
What can we do when they start to wither?

Mr. Misaka:
You can leave out 4 to 5 stem joints and trim the rest.

Ms. Takeda:
Is that right?
That's a great tip!

Outro:

Ms. Takeda:
Orchids with many types and colors --
How about some soothing, comforting flowers of orchid?